Some places to go when you're all dressed up

Getty ImagesReinvent yourself this Halloween. Who knows, maybe you'll even get paid for your creativity.

Alcohol excuses only so much ridiculous behavior.

Halloween, on the other hand, delivers a whole new slew of reasons to reinvent yourself. Meow like a kitten. Howl like a werewolf. Approach the devil (or angel) across the room with the ever-original: "Cool costume. How'd you come up with it?"

Choose your illusion at a Halloween bar/club bash around here. The night could even be a payoff: Several spots offer cash prizes for the most creative costumes.

STATEN ISLAND

Martini Red, 372 Van Duzer St., Stapleton, 718-442-0660, MySpace.com/martinired2006
Details: It's not Halloween weekend without a punk show at Martini Red, right? A Misfits cover band called Angel(bleep), along with costumed local bands The Ghost Armada, Dead Set on Destruction, and Den of Thieves rock a rescheduled hallow's eve for weekend warriors on Saturday night. DJ Dave Elliot supplies screams and screeches. $7 to get in the door with or without a costume.

Lacey's Bridge Tavern, 75 Innis St., Elm Park, 718-273-7514, laceybridgetavern.com
Details: The "3rd Annual Halloween Spooktakular," Saturday, 10 p.m. Karen and Hallie of the Kaytelles combat the seasonal candy binge with Halloween novelty music. Prepare to do "The Monster Mash," "The Time Warp" and any other moves inspired by gore and ghoul. Among the prizes for best, sexiest and scariest costumes is a $50 gift certificate for the tavern. A $35 charge covers an open bar from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and a light buffet.

Dock Street Bar and Grill, 691 Bay St., Stapleton, 347-723-1825, dockstreet.com
Details: Promoter Jeff Enrage presents the 7th annual Halloween Party on Friday, and a night of paying tribute to The Misfits on Saturday. Friday's show is rocked by Halfdone, The Corrao Q, Push For Coin, When Balance Breaks, System Torture, Exit to Eternity, and Angel(bleep). Saturday's show, packed with bands who will cover The Misfits, includes Heresy, Another Nobody, Kids Carry Germs, 151, Perfect Syn, Waiting for Richmond, A Clock is Down, End of Eternity. Shows are $10, and start at 8 p.m.

Lobby Lounge, Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Ave., Bloomfield, lorenzosdining.com
Details: The dance band Spotlight provides the soundtrack for a free costume party Saturday from 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. in this swank lounge. No cover.